THE Daffs were walloped 7-1 at Hellenic One leaders Wantage on Saturday, with the misery compounded by dropping out of the play-off places.

It was 5-0 before the half hour as the Oxfordshire hosts ran amok, before Newent restored some respectability narrowly losing the second period 2-1.

Dylan Hart headed just wide in the first minute, but that was as good as it got, with Wantage scoring at the other end almost immediately and doubling the lead within four minutes.

A third arrived on 10 minutes, followed by a fourth nine minutes later and a fifth with just 28 minutes played.

Newent were shell-shocked, but managed to make it to half-time without shipping more.

But the Freds made it six on 59 minutes and despite taking their foot off the gas it was a magnificent seven a minute from the end of normal time, before the Daffs snaffled a crumb of comfort with a late goal a minute into stoppage time.

Having also lost their 2026 home opener 2-1 to Ludlow the week before, Newent will be desperate to bounce back at basement side Wellington this Saturday (January 17).

Elsewhere, much of the grassroots football programme was off, although high-flying Huntley enjoyed a 9-1 home hammering of dropzone visitors Whitecroft to keep the pressure on in the race for the North Gloucestershire Premier title, Lee James firing six goals, backed by a James Barton brace and one for Callum Love.

Howle Hill couldn't do Huntley a favour though against leaders Blakeney, losing 3-1 at their Weston ground, with Kristian Milnes grabbing their second half consolation.

Lydbrook 2nds also lost out 3-1 at home to fellow North Gloucestershire 1 high-flyers Redbrook Rovers.

On a slippery surface, Lydbrook were the better side for the opening 30 minutes, controlling possession and applying pressure before taking the lead through a clever free-kick before the break, with the ball lifted over keeper Theo Bowen.

But a superbly worked team move powerfully finished by Tom Wareham brought the Redbrook equaliser on 50 minutes.

And Jayden Makondora stole the headlines with two outstanding individual goals on 59 and 74 minutes – the 2025 Welsh Schools Cup winner with Monmouth Comprehensive showing great composure and footwork to twice dance his way through the box to seal victory.

Meanwhile, Ruardean Hill Rangers A were 6-2 home winners over Stanunton & Corse A to go top of NG 3, Luke Johnson firing a hat-trick backed by strikes from Luke Brown, Jack Knight and Liam Nelmes.

And Ross Juniors Ladies marched on at the top of the Herefordshire Women’s League, walloping Ledbury 8-0 at home on Sunday, with Hannah Jenkins firing five, Summer Richardson-Wall two and Jess Brain one.

Fixtures this Saturday also include – Ruardean Hill v Hanham, Lydbrook v Wickwar, King’s Stanley v Mitcheldean, Lydney A v Huntley, Howle Hill v Soudley, Redmarley & Tibberton v Ruardean Utd, Sling v Lydbrook 2nds, Soudley 2nds v Mitcheldean 2nds, Alvington Star 2nds v Longhope 2nds. Lydbrook A v Redbrook 2nds, Staunton A v Ruardean Hill A.

Ross Juniors Women also host Kempsey Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.